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| Leafhopper Assassin Bug, Zelus rendarii |
The Leafhopper Assassin Bug, a true bug, only measures 1/2 inches long (compared to the much larger Wheel Bug). It can often be found in cotton fields feeding on anything, but preferring the soft-bodied insects. The front legs contain a sticky substance which is used to catch prey. The strong beak is then used to pierce the prey, inject digestive enzymes, and finally suck out the insides. The nymphs go through five different molting stages, but have no wings. The adults are what you find for those overwintering, and while they have wings, they are poor fliers. The leafhopper assassin bug is found more along the central southern United States and the west coast. As with other assassin bugs, these are considered beneficial as they feed on insects such as mosquitoes, weevils, and caterpillars.
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